home Audience 6 How to correctly measure basal temperature to determine ovulation or pregnancy? Basal temperature and menstrual cycle. Basal temperature measurement method

How to correctly measure basal temperature to determine ovulation or pregnancy? Basal temperature and menstrual cycle. Basal temperature measurement method

Pregnancy is a period when the expectant mother monitors her health with special care. After all, now she worries not only about herself, but also about the life that arose inside her body.

It is very important not to worry about anything, because unnecessary worry will not bring any benefit. There are some methods, such as measuring basal temperature, which will help you constantly monitor your health.

This technique helps to identify some dangerous symptoms. By reacting in time, the expectant mother will be able to protect her unborn baby. If any deviation from the norm is observed, you should urgently seek help from a doctor.

What is BT?

It is usually abbreviated as BT, less commonly rectal temperature. As the name suggests, it is not measured in the standard way - under the armpits. There are several measurement options - in the mouth, in the vagina and in the rectum. It is often used to track ovulation when a woman wants to become pregnant.

Ordinary menstrual cycle more often it shows up to 37 Celsius, but exactly until the moment ovulation begins - then the temperature increases by 0.4 Celsius. After this, or within 1-2 days, it decreases again. But if this does not happen, then, most likely, pregnancy has occurred.

How long should you be during pregnancy? And how long should it last?

Each organism is individual, but normally it is 37.1 – 37.3, which is exactly what the temperature is during ovulation and remains the same if pregnancy occurs. It is worth remembering that the borderline norm is 37.0. If there is a deviation of 0.8 degrees in any direction, this is a reason to go to the doctor, or at least you should consult a doctor.

As for how long it lasts, the answer is clear - from the beginning of pregnancy and the first few months while the girl is carrying the fetus.

Why measure BT?

There are two reasons for this - to monitor the health of the mother and child, as well as to plan pregnancy.

The first reason, as mentioned above, helps to understand whether everything is in order with your health. And the second reason helps to calculate ovulation. When a woman wants to give birth to a child, she needs to determine when ovulation occurs. When there is an increase in BT, this is a sign that it has arrived, and now there is the greatest chance of getting pregnant.

How to measure it during pregnancy?

Be sure to take the measurement in the morning, immediately after sleep, when the body is still at rest. Important point– it is advisable to get full sleep, at least six hours. It can be measured in any way, but rectal is considered the most reliable. Measurement in this way should be carried out for at least three to four minutes.

Oral and vaginal methods measurements will also work, but the time increases to five minutes. Any thermometer will do - both a regular mercury thermometer and an electronic one. It is advisable to take measurements every day and mark them in a notebook or a special chart - this makes it easier to track the dynamics. The procedure must be carried out at the same time each time, the permissible time difference is thirty minutes.

Some factors, such as illness, stress, travel, consumption of alcohol-containing products and even certain medications, can affect the accuracy of the result. You should also not use contraceptives if you are measuring rectal temperature.

Normal after conception

Each organism is individual. This can be proven by a simple fact - some people have a normal (non-rectal) temperature of 36.6, while others have a normal temperature of 37 and even higher. At the same time, two types of people feel excellent and do not get sick.

So when measuring BT - everything depends on the specific organism. However, you should know the generally accepted and most common norms - from 37 to 37.3. The temperature rises, as a special hormone, progesterone, begins to be produced in large quantities. This happens to protect the fetus.

There were cases when a woman had a rectal temperature of 38, but she was not sick and everything was fine with the fetus. Such cases are very rare; usually, if the temperature is already above 37.3 or below 37, it is wiser to consult a doctor.

Determining pregnancy by basal temperature

Most likely, a woman is pregnant if the following symptoms are observed:

The temperature is elevated three days after the end of ovulation.
If, with a normal two-phase schedule, the girl observes another jump in temperature (this condition is not considered mandatory).
Phase corpus luteum does not stop for 18 days - that is, the temperature is elevated all this time.

Daily fluctuations in BT

As usual, you need to take your temperature immediately after sleep, at the same time. The fact is that factors such as light physical activity, food, and even clothing can affect the result. It is normal when it rises above 37.3 during the day (not in the morning) - however, the reason for such an increase is precisely the factors described earlier.

Therefore, there is no point in measuring it during the day or even in the evening - you will not understand whether the fluctuations are caused by the normal load on the body or whether there is a reason to worry. Just imagine, on early stages in the evening, BT can increase by 1 degree! Morning results are the most reliable, so mark them.

Promotion

If there is a situation with an increase in body temperature during pregnancy, inflammatory or infectious processes are most likely occurring. But this is only if the increase was recorded correctly, that is, in the morning. Termination of pregnancy in this case is unlikely, but it cannot be discounted.

About ectopic pregnancy– it may not necessarily cause an increase in rectal temperature. Usually it is within normal limits. If this type of pregnancy occurs, the woman may feel severe pain in the abdomen, bleeding may even occur. In this case, you cannot delay; you should call an ambulance.

A fall

This also happens. Its fall, especially sharp, should be alarming. This means that there is insufficient production of hormones. This clearly indicates that the body is not able to support the female body during pregnancy.

If, along with a decrease in rectal temperature, you notice symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding, prolonged uterine tone, then consult a doctor and undergo an examination.

A frozen pregnancy usually shows a result below 37, but even in this case you should not panic, but contact a medical facility.

When and how to measure?

In the morning, without getting out of bed, in a state of rest and minimal activity. To do this, you need to take a thermometer and place it two centimeters into the vagina or rectum. You need to hold the thermometer for three to five minutes.

It is necessary to measure BT each time using the same method, that is, choose one - rectal or place the thermometer in the vagina. The thermometer cannot be changed either, nor can the measurement time - if you decide to measure at 8.00 in the morning, then continue in the same spirit. Fluctuations can be up to thirty minutes in both directions.

To carry out the procedure as accurately as possible, here are a few rules that must be followed:

Do the procedure in horizontal position and in no other way, don’t even turn on your side, much less squat.
Required good sleep- from five hours.
It is advisable not to have sex while you are monitoring temperature changes. Or at least maintain a gap of half a day between measurement and sexual intercourse.
You should not take medications - they both lower and increase BT. It’s worse when they raise it - yours may be below normal, and you will think that she is fine.
Have breakfast only after the procedure.
Try not to get sick - even a sore throat can distort your readings.

Why do you need a schedule?

If the expectant mother wants to seriously monitor this indicator, then she cannot do without a chart. Various circumstances can affect rectal temperature, especially in the first months of pregnancy.

Typically, fluctuations on the chart look like this:

On the day of conception - from 36.4 to 36.7.
The next three to four days there is an increase of 0.1, that is, it can reach 37 degrees.
The value may remain the same for the next two to three days.
On the day of implantation ovum in the uterine mucosa it decreases to 36.5-36.6 degrees.
The next three the day goes by smooth increase and is achieved from 36.7 to 37.
The next fourteen days the value ranges from 36.7 to 31.1. It is important to monitor whether it has dropped below the value it was during ovulation.

It is important to indicate in the chart not only the numbers, but also the possible circumstances that influenced them - illness, stress, admission medical supplies etc. The attending physician should know about them.

How to correctly draw up and decipher a schedule: a detailed guide

You can draw it yourself, or find it on the Internet and print it. Include the following notes in your schedule:

"Pregnant" charts

You can’t measure everything with just a graph; discrepancies are acceptable. U different women different indicators happen. For example, some people do not observe implantation retraction, or there are several of them at once.

It happens that the temperature rises sharply, or, conversely, gradually. Sometimes it does not rise above 37. All the described options are determined by doctors as the norm.

Is it possible to determine pregnancy with a thermometer without a chart?

You can, but to do this you need to follow the rules:

In the evening, shake the thermometer and place it nearby, but not under the pillow. The main thing is that it is convenient for you to get it without using sudden movements;
In the morning, without eating, and without even getting up, use a thermometer. Choose either the rectal method or place the thermometer in the vagina. It should be placed two centimeters;
Wait three to five minutes;
If the reading is above 37, you are probably pregnant.

But you can’t count on accuracy; an increase can signal an inflammatory process, infection, hormonal imbalance or ordinary stress.

Factors influencing performance

To get a reliable result, exclude the following situations:

Taking medications;
Use of contraception (oral or IUD);
Banal lack of sleep;
Consumption of alcoholic beverages;
Sex less than six hours before measurement;
Overwork;
Any illness;
Promoted normal temperature.

Do I need to be monitored during pregnancy?

It makes sense to do this during the first months. It remains elevated until the twentieth week after conception. Usually, not only gynecologists, but even endocrinologists vote for the control of BT.

By measuring BT, you can notice deviations in time and react to them. Low readings may indicate a threat of miscarriage. Therefore, the answer is clear - it is advisable to control it. However, this is not the only way to diagnose the condition. expectant mother and her child.

At different stages of pregnancy

Let's consider the basal temperature at various stages of pregnancy:

Week 3 corresponds to the 1st embryonic week. BT shows from 37 to 37.7 and slightly higher. A mark below indicates deviations and the danger of miscarriage.
H. 4 ranging from 37.1 to 37.3°, maximum - 38. If higher, then it may be an infection.
N. 5 is stable from 37.1 to 37.7. If she “jumps”, then pay attention to other signs: nagging pain, hardening of the abdomen, softening of the mammary glands, etc.
N. 6 maintains the same results: from 37.1 to 37.7. If it rises or falls significantly, fetal death is possible.
N. 7-8 from 37.1-37.3 (not lower) and not higher than 38. For non-standard indicators, go additional diagnostics health (ultrasound).
N. 9-10 - as during weeks 7-8, but more than 37 and below 38. If this is not the case, consult a doctor.
N. 11 decrease from 37 to 37.2. If it continues to be high, then consult a gynecologist.
H. 12 from 37 to 37.8, but not higher than 38. Ideal are from 37.6-37.7°.

Recent weeks show from 36.6 to 36.8. At the fortieth week it rises to 37.4 and can rise immediately before childbirth.

Deviation from the norm

If it deviates from the norm, then this is either ovulation or pregnancy. During pregnancy, the doctor often recommends measuring it to eliminate the risk. This method is especially often recommended for those who have previously experienced a miscarriage or problems during pregnancy.

Why is she too tall?

This may be due to an infection, due to an inflammatory process, or even an ectopic pregnancy. In this case, you need to monitor some other signs: does your stomach hurt, what color is the discharge (normally transparent). If you observe them, you need to do an ultrasound.

Possible threat of interruption

This is signaled by a decrease in BT. The decrease occurs due to a lack of progesterone production. If the result falls below 37, you also experience abdominal pain and discharge Brown, you need to urgently seek help.

Frozen pregnancy

Unfortunately, in this case the fetus will have to be removed; it threatens the woman’s life. It doesn’t always go away on its own, so you will have to seek medical help.

Other signs indicating fetal fading are the absence of toxicosis, the mammary glands no longer enlarge.

Does low BT occur during normal pregnancy?

It’s difficult to talk about norms - they are always conditional. Low temperature does not always prevent pregnancy; women give birth healthy babies and their lives are not in danger. In addition, there may be such an option - during ovulation, just before conception, the temperature was 36.4, so it is unlikely that it will reach 37 over the next two weeks.

However, if there are such signs - pain or opaque discharge - you need to go to the doctor.

Basal temperature of a healthy woman

The norm is not lower than 36.2, but not higher than 37.2. Before ovulation, the temperature drops, during which it rises - this way the most likely moment for conception is determined. After conception, it practically does not decrease.

Signs of probable infertility according to schedule

This is indicated by the following:

The average for the second phase of the cycle (after the temperature rises) exceeds the average for the first phase by less than 0.4 degrees.
In the second phase of the cycle, the temperature drops (it is below 37).
The rise in temperature in the middle of the cycle continues for more than three to four days.
The second phase is short (less than eight days).

Schedule for ovulation stimulation

With, especially clomiphene (clostilbegit) and using, in the second phase of MC, the rectal temperature graph usually becomes “normal”. Two-phase, with a pronounced phase transition, with a fairly high temperature in the second, with characteristic “stages” (the temperature rises twice) and a slight drop.

If the stimulation schedule is disrupted and deviates from the norm, this may indicate an incorrect selection of the drug dose.

An increase in the first phase upon stimulation with clomiphene also occurs with individual sensitivity to the drug.

When to contact a gynecologist?

If you are seriously monitoring your BT and see a problem for two cycles in a row, consult your doctor. However, he should not prescribe drugs based on the schedule alone; you should be referred for other types of examinations. Pay attention to these factors:

Novulatory charts.
Constant delays in the cycle, but pregnancy does not occur.
Late ovulation and you don't get pregnant for a couple of cycles.
Controversial indicators with unclear ovulation.
Graphs with high temperature or low temperature throughout the cycle.
If the second phase is short (less than 10 days).
High rates in the second phase of the cycle for more than 18 days, while there are no periods and pregnancy has not occurred.
Bleeding or heavy discharge in the middle of the cycle.
Heavy discharge during menstruation that lasts more than 5 days.
Graphs with the temperature difference in the first and second phases less than 0.4.
Cycles less than 21 days or more than 35.
Schedules with clearly defined ovulation, regular sexual intercourse during ovulation, but the woman does not become pregnant for several cycles in a row.

BT as a method of contraception

You can use it because highest probability that a woman will become pregnant - during ovulation and two days after it. And since this method can be calculated this period, then it can serve as a method of contraception.

Should you trust this method?

It can be used like additional method pregnancy control and planning. However, you cannot rely on it alone, since modern methods diagnostics are more accurate. But how additional measure, measuring BT is a great idea.

The Basal Temperature (BT) method is one way to track fertile days which are considered most favorable for conception. Many women use it successfully when planning pregnancy. It is also interesting because it can determine the presence or absence of ovulation, evaluate the functioning of the ovaries, and suggest possible pregnancy a few days after ovulation, and also monitor its development for the first 12-14 weeks.

What is basal temperature

Basal temperature is the temperature measured with a thermometer orally, vaginally, or, most often, rectally (in the rectum) at rest after a night's sleep. During the menstrual cycle, body temperature changes under the influence of certain hormones.

In the first phase of the cycle (follicular), from the end of menstruation until the beginning of ovulation, estrogen hormones predominate in the body. During this period, the egg matures. The average basal temperature of the first phase is in the range of 36 - 36.5C. And its duration depends on the time of maturation of the egg. For some it may take 10 days to ripen, for others it may take 20.

The day before ovulation, the BT value for one day decreases by 0.2-0.3 C. And during ovulation itself, when the mature egg leaves the follicle and enters the body a large number of hormone progesterone, BT in one or two days should make a jump by 0.4-0.6 C, reach 37.0-37.2 C and stay within these limits throughout the luteal phase.

During the ovulation period, the dominant role of hormones changes (estrogens give way to progesterone). The most successful period for conception is considered to be 3-4 days before ovulation (sperm viability time) and 12-24 hours after ovulation. If during this period the egg does not fuse with the sperm, it dies.

The second, luteal phase, occurs under the influence of the hormone progesterone. It is produced by the corpus luteum, which appears at the site of a burst follicle. The luteal phase lasts from 12 to 16 days. BT throughout the entire phase remains above 37.0 C, and if pregnancy has not occurred, a day or two before the start of menstruation, it decreases by 0.2-0.3 C. During menstruation, expulsion from the body of an unfertilized egg along with the endometrial layer that is unnecessary in this cycle.

It is believed that normally the difference between the average values of the two phases of the menstrual cycle should be at least 0.4 C.

How to measure basal temperature correctly

According to the rules, basal temperature is measured in the morning, at the same time (a deviation of 20-30 minutes is allowed), without getting out of bed, avoiding sudden movements. Therefore, you need to prepare a thermometer - shake it off and put it near the bed - in the evening.

If you have chosen any method of measuring basal temperature, for example, rectal, you must adhere to it throughout the entire cycle. The thermometer is held for 5-7 minutes. It is better to start measuring temperature from the sixth day after the first day of menstruation.

Data can be written down on a piece of paper, and then, by connecting the dots, you can get a graph. Or keep charts on the Internet. There are special programs for this that are convenient to use. The most difficult thing that will need to be done is to correctly measure BT and enter the indicators into a spreadsheet. Next, the program itself will calculate the time when ovulation occurred (if it occurred), draw a graph, and calculate the temperature difference between the two phases.

If you had to get out of bed at night, you should measure BT after 5-6 hours. Otherwise, the indicators will be uninformative and can not be taken into account that day. It is also worth not taking into account days when you were sick and your body temperature was increased.

It would be much easier if you could measure simple body temperature rather than basal temperature. The difficulty is that the body’s temperature during the day can change due to stress, cold, heat, physical activity, etc. Therefore, it is very difficult to catch a period when body temperature would be informative. Therefore, it was decided to measure basal temperature - after 5-6 hours of sleep at rest.

Basal temperature during pregnancy

As mentioned above, the most favorable period for conception is a few days before and one day after ovulation. If pregnancy has occurred, the corpus luteum will produce progesterone up to 12-14 weeks. The basal temperature will remain above 37C all this time; it will not fall before the days of menstruation.

Some women stop measuring BT when they become pregnant. It is not recommended to do this, because... BT during this period is very informative and allows you to control pregnancy.

When pregnancy occurs, BT remains above 37C, the permissible deviation is 0.1-0.3C. If BT values fall below normal for several days in a row in the first 12-14 weeks, it is likely that the embryo is at risk. Progesterone deficiency may be present. You should immediately consult a doctor to take appropriate measures. It would not be superfluous to be examined using an ultrasound machine.

If BT has risen above 38C, this also does not bode well. It may indicate the presence of infections in a woman’s body or the onset of inflammatory processes. It is not worth drawing conclusions based on a one-time decrease or increase in BT, because Perhaps errors were made when measuring it, or extraneous factors influenced the value - stress, general state body, etc.

After 12-14 weeks, you can no longer measure your basal temperature, because indicators are uninformative, because by this time the hormonal background pregnant. The mature placenta begins to produce progesterone, and the corpus luteum fades into the background.

Basal temperature chart during pregnancy

If you record your basal temperature readings on paper, or keep a chart on the Internet, you can pay attention to certain signs that signal that pregnancy has occurred:

- on days 5-10 (usually 7) after ovulation, BT decreases by 0.3-0.5 C for one day. What is called implantation retraction occurs. At this time, the embryo first tries to penetrate the endometrium of the uterus, i.e. find a place and settle down. Often during this period, women notice minor bleeding for 1-2 days, which is called implantation bleeding. Sometimes it looks more like a cream or light brown daub;

— the temperature of the second phase tends to above 37C;

- before the intended critical days, the basal temperature does not fall, but still rises by 0.2-0.3 C, on the graph this stands out as the third phase;

— critical days did not arrive on time, BT continues to remain at a high level for more than 16 days after ovulation. You can do the first test and see the result. It is likely that it will show two stripes.

Don't be upset if your schedule doesn't look like a classic pregnant one. There are charts that make it impossible to determine the signs of pregnancy, but it has occurred nonetheless.

Increased or decreased basal temperature

An ideal BT chart should look like a flying bird with outstretched wings. The temperature difference between the two parts should be at least 0.4 C. Sometimes there are deviations from the ideal, which may indicate certain problems in the woman’s body.

If the readings of the second phase of the cycle are normal, and the readings of the first phase are above normal, this indicates estrogen deficiency. And if it is significantly lower than normal, then on the contrary, there is an excess of estrogen. Which is one of the causes of infertility. Only in the first case does this indicate thin endometrium, and in the second – about the existence follicular cysts.

If the values of the first phase are normal, and the values of the second phase are below normal, this indicates a lack of progesterone (pregnancy hormone). In this case, pregnancy may occur, but not be maintained. Therefore, to correct the situation, medications containing progesterone are prescribed, which should be taken strictly under the supervision of a doctor.

If both phases of the cycle are higher or lower than normal, but the difference between the average temperatures remains at least 0.4 C, in this case there are no pathologies or deviations in health. This is how it manifests itself individual feature body.

Although the BBT measurement method is simple and accessible for determining pregnancy or diagnosing health, it should not be the only factor for diagnosis. Therefore, it must be combined with other methods. For example, to determine ovulation, you can additionally use test strips or ultrasound monitoring, to confirm pregnancy you can donate blood for hCG or test, and to diagnose health problems, take into account laboratory data.

Some women experience peak sexual arousal during the days of ovulation, and this is physiologically justified. But then the use of a physiological method of contraception from pregnancy, based on sexual abstinence during ovulation, is especially difficult for partners whose frequency of sexual intercourse reaches a fairly high level.

In addition, with strong love emotions and nervous stress Additional ovulation may occur (especially with episodic, irregular intercourse) and then not one, but two eggs mature in one menstrual cycle. This should be kept in mind when choosing one or another method of contraception. And since it is impossible to accurately assess when ovulation will occur at home, the physiological method is the most unreliable after the method of interrupted intercourse.

Description of the basal temperature method.

Immediately after ovulation (most favorable time for conception), the hormone progesterone is released in a woman’s body. This hormone causes body temperature to rise by 0.4 - 0.6 degrees and occurs within two days after ovulation. Ovulation occurs approximately in the middle of the cycle and thus divides the cycle into two phases - first and second. In the first phase, before ovulation, your body temperature is usually lower than in the second phase, when ovulation has already occurred. With sufficient production of the hormone progesterone, starting from the middle of the cycle, an increase in body temperature occurs, which is a fairly reliable sign of ovulation. The second phase of the cycle normally lasts 13-14 days and before the onset of menstruation, the temperature usually drops again by 0.3 degrees. If the basal temperature remains at the same level throughout the entire cycle, there are no rises and falls in the graph, then we can talk about the absence of ovulation, and as a result, female infertility.

What is the method of measuring basal temperature based on?

The basal body temperature method is based on determining the time of temperature rise in the rectum by measuring it daily and abstaining from sexual relations in the first phase of the menstrual cycle, including the first three days of temperature rise after ovulation. It is known that at the moment of ovulation the basal (rectal) temperature decreases, and the next day it increases. And if a woman measures the temperature in her rectum every day for several (at least three) months, she will be able to determine when she ovulates.

The principle of its operation is to determine the approximate date of ovulation using the temperature curve. To do this, you need to measure your rectal temperature every day (it’s more convenient to use a thermometer specially designed for this area) and mark it by drawing a kind of graph. You should start from the first day of the cycle, which corresponds to the first day of menstruation. It is best to carry out this procedure in the morning, without getting out of bed, for 5-6 minutes.

It has been noticed that, as a rule, ovulation occurs on the day when the temperature is lowest: one day you will find that the previously smooth line of the temperature curve suddenly drops sharply - this is the day of ovulation. Then, the next day, the temperature rises just as sharply, and this corresponds to the beginning of the second, luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. It must be remembered that the egg lives from 24 to 48 hours after leaving the follicle, therefore, even with rising temperatures, you need to abstain from sexual intercourse for several days. In general, the first phase of the menstrual cycle is considered relatively safe, when the segment of the temperature graph is an approximately flat straight line. A menstrual cycle without ovulation, or with two ovulations, is also reflected in the temperature curve graph.

The method of measuring basal temperature is quite strict in terms of leaving not too long period, in which pregnancy is impossible. For example, with a cycle of 28 days, only 10 of them are safe. In case of progesterone deficiency, which can be detected by special examination, safe period even shorter. The method is also inconvenient in that the temperature must be measured daily, especially at the beginning of its use. Later, when several menstrual cycles have passed safely, you can stop changes during menstruation and after a significant increase in temperature is recorded in the second phase of the cycle. It should be noted that any viral or respiratory disease makes the results unreliable. The same applies to heavy physical activity and active sports.

The method of measuring basal temperature is most suitable only for those women who have established a regular menstrual cycle lasting no less than 26 and no more than 30 days, leading a fairly calm lifestyle, not susceptible to stress, colds and other negative reactions environment. Presumably, less than one percent of women would classify themselves in this category.

Thus, if you are involved in fitness, occasionally dig beds in the country, catch a cold or periodically worry, including about an unwanted pregnancy, you are at risk - the temperature curve graph indicators become less reliable.

The method of measuring basal temperature and constructing a temperature curve can be recommended as a means of pregnancy planning for those couples who do not want to use other methods of contraception for religious reasons, but are in principle ready to have a child. (Remember that not all religions allow the use of products such as condoms, oral contraceptives, intrauterine device and so on.)

For calculation " dangerous days"When using calendar protection, it is necessary to measure BT for at least 3-4 cycles. "Dangerous days" are calculated as follows: from the day on which the temperature crossed the line of 37.0, count 6 days back and forth. With normal cycle at 28 days this will be: the maturation of the egg occurred on the 14th day.

14–6=8 (on the 8th day from the start of menstruation, “dangerous days” began).

14+6=20 (on the 20th day from the start of menstruation, the “dangerous days” ended).

Thus, from days 1 to 7 of the cycle and from 21 to the end, you can live without protection.

“Dangerous days” consist of 2 factors: sperm can live in the uterus for about 6 days, waiting for the egg to mature; The egg lives for about 6 days, waiting for fertilization.

ATTENTION! If in different cycles the day of crossing level 37.0 is “walking” (for example, the egg matures on days 12, 18, 13), then to determine “dangerous days” subtract 6 from the LOWER indicator (in this case - 12 day) and add 6 to the LARGER (in in this case – 18 days). Thus, in the above example, “dangerous days” are from days 6 to 24. Of course, in this state of affairs, the physiological (calendar) method of contraception is of little use.

The same applies to short cycles. For example, if the cycle lasts 21 days, then the maturation of the egg occurs already on the 7th day. “Dangerous days” are respectively from 2 to 13, if the day of ripening does not “walk”.

Symptothermal method of contraception

This is the most sensitive and safe (as far as possible) method natural contraception, it includes the rules for the method cervical mucus and basal body temperature.

By measuring your basal temperature (BT) every morning during your menstrual cycle, you can determine your fertile and infertile phases.
They measure BT in the rectum every morning at the same time before getting out of bed, write it down, and build a graph.

Using records from the first half of the menstrual cycle, you need to determine the highest of the “normal low” temperatures. Abnormally high temperatures due to fever or other conditions should not be taken into account.

Draw a line at the highest of these temperatures. This line is called the cover or temperature line.

The infertile phase begins in the evening of the 3rd day when the temperature rises above the covering line.
If the temperature drops to or below the tipping line within 3 days, this may mean that ovulation has not yet occurred. To avoid pregnancy, you should wait for 3 consecutive days of temperature rise above the covering line before resuming sexual intercourse.

Once the infertile phase has begun, there is no need to continue recording temperatures. Temperature measurement can be stopped until the start of the next menstrual cycle. Sexual intercourse can be had until the 1st day of the next menstruation.

For the purpose of contraception, you should refrain from sexual intercourse from the beginning of menstruation until the evening of the 3rd day of temperature rise above the covering line.

After your menstrual bleeding has ended, you can have intercourse in the evening of every other dry day during the non-fertile period before ovulation (this is the dry day rule used in the cervical mucus method);
The fertile phase begins with the appearance of any mucus or sensation of moisture in the vagina (this is the rule " early mucus", used in the cervical mucus method); during this phase you should abstain from sexual intercourse;
sexual intercourse should be abstained until the "rush day" and temperature change rules have been applied;
in cases where these rules define the end of the fertile phase differently, the most conservative rule should always be followed, i.e. the one that determines the longest fertile phase;

Example:
Following the rule of temperature change, a woman is infertile after the 16th day. At the same time, if you follow the “peak day” rule, she is fertile until the 18th day. Therefore, she should follow the more conservative "peak day" rule and not have intercourse until the 18th day.

The reproductive system is characterized by the menstrual cycle. If processes that did not exist before begin to take place in the female reproductive system, then menstruation will always signal this. Usually the signal is given in the form of absence of menstruation. The absence of bleeding also indicates pregnancy. Basal temperature will help determine the completed conception even more accurately. It is from this that one can accurately say that pregnancy has occurred.

We are accustomed to the fact that temperature can only be measured with a thermometer under the arm. They inserted it under the arm, waited a few minutes and assessed the result. This is how we measure body temperature. Temperature measurement internal organs slightly different.

Basal temperature - measured in oral cavity, vagina or anus (rectum). The values obtained will always tell you whether ovulation has occurred or not. If the menstrual cycle is normal, the basal temperature until ovulation occurs is 37°C or lower. As you know, ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle. If the measurements showed an increase in temperature by at least 0.4°, then ovulation has taken place. That is, the second phase of the cycle has begun. About a day or two before the onset of menstruation, the temperature drops again. If the temperature does not drop and menstruation does not come at the appointed time, then the woman has become pregnant.

Why measure?

Temperature measurements are necessary to determine the moment of ovulation. The information obtained will help you calculate the best moment for pregnancy. If a woman is planning to have a child, then knowing the value of basal temperature will greatly increase her chances. With its help, it is always easy for a woman to determine when the egg is ripe for conception. It is believed that it is best to conceive a child at the peak of ovulation or a few days before it.

Measuring basal temperature can be considered as one of the methods of contraception. That is, with its help you can identify dangerous days when you need to carefully protect yourself.

Temperature helps to calculate the date of the next menstruation and check whether it is working correctly endocrine system. Of course, to obtain the information described, it is necessary to keep a special diary for several months, where the values of basal temperature will be recorded. Entries must be made daily.

The human body temperature changes throughout the day. It is influenced by multiple factors: stress, physical activity, food consumption and more. Therefore, it is recommended to measure your basal temperature immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed. At this moment, the woman and her organs are still absolutely calm. They have not yet been influenced external factors. The temperature measured in this way is called basal (or main, basic).

How to take measurements

You cannot monitor changes in basal temperature while using oral contraceptives.
During this period, it is not recommended to drink sedatives, drink alcohol or be treated with any hormonal drugs. The result will not be reliable.
You only need to measure the temperature in the rectum. The mouth and vagina are not suitable for these purposes.
You need to start measuring from the very first day of your cycle.
Measurements should be taken after five to six hours of sleep, that is, in the morning.
You cannot get up from the pastel and perform very sudden movements with any parts of the body.
You cannot talk or look out the window at the light before taking measurements. Bright rays can irritate the eyes.
It is necessary to prepare a thermometer in the evening and place it next to the bed so as not to run for it in the morning. Before this, you need to reset the previous readings.
You should try to take measurements at the same time.
If you wake up early to relieve yourself, take your temperature before you wake up and go to the toilet.
Sleep should always be more than three hours. Only then will the readings be accurate.
Use the same measuring device every time. This may be electronic or mercury thermometer. The first option is best.
Use a mercury thermometer to measure the temperature for about 10 minutes, and for an electronic thermometer 60 seconds will be enough. The duration of each day's measurements should always be the same.
If a mercury thermometer is used in measurements, then you need to take it only top part, and not for the mercury base.
Instructions must be recorded in a special diary. Using this data, you can also build a graph and present it in table form. In the same diary you need to indicate all sorts of conditions that could hypothetically affect the final result.

Possible errors in measurements

Basal temperature, which was measured for 3 months or longer, is considered more informative and truthful.

The woman suffered infectious diseases, which occurred with body temperature. It could be bronchitis, ARVI or flu.
Basal temperature was measured in absolute different places, V different time and under different conditions. For example, on one day the temperature was measured in the rectum, and on the next day the measurement was repeated in the vagina.
The woman was taking medications.
Before measuring your basal temperature, on the eve of this day, you drank an excessive amount of alcohol.
Throughout her menstrual cycle, the woman traveled on planes and arrived on long trips.
The woman was taking hormonal contraceptives.

What does basal temperature tell the doctor?

It is at the request of doctors that women often begin to measure their basal temperature. Typically this action is required in the following cases:

A woman cannot become pregnant for a year.
If a woman and her sexual partner are infertile.
If there are hormonal disorders.

In addition, a woman tries to measure her basal temperature in the following cases:

To increase the chances of pregnancy.
The woman wants to receive.
I would like to know exactly about the beginning of dangerous days for sex.
To monitor the processes occurring inside the body.

The information provided to the doctor about temperature fluctuations will provide the following information:

When does the egg mature and whether it matures at all?
Did ovulation occur after the egg had matured?
When is your next period?
Consider how correctly hormones are released from the ovaries depending on the phase of the cycle.
Are there gynecological problems?
How well does the endocrine system function?
Has conception occurred?

Pregnancy and basal temperature

From the 3-4th day of the menstrual cycle, the basal temperature drops to 36.5 and 36.8. It is at these values that the egg begins to mature. Two or one day before ovulation, the temperature drops. Then it rises to 37°C and higher.

A week before menstruation, the temperature begins to drop. This happens if conception has not occurred and the woman does not become pregnant. The hormone is responsible for the high value of basal temperature and its increase. Its production occurs immediately after ovulation occurs. In the absence of conception, the level of this hormone decreases, and therefore the basal temperature decreases. If pregnancy does occur, the level of progesterone remains at the same level, which means the temperature also remains high. To summarize, the basal temperature during pregnancy until the moment of delay is 37°C.

If a woman records her temperature every day, she will definitely notice its change. That is, seven days before the start of menstruation, the temperature, instead of the usual decrease, suddenly remains constant for several days. This indicates pregnancy.

Has conception occurred?

The high temperature value lasts as much as three days longer when compared with the corpus luteum phase (a special period that occurs after ovulation).
You can see a sharp jump in the chart below.
The phase of the released corpus luteum lasts more than 18 days.

To find out the fact of pregnancy in the earliest stages, it is necessary to measure basal temperature in a special way:

Take your temperature only at the same time.
Continue holding the thermometer for 7-10 minutes.
Not to accept sitting position before measurement.
Take readings as soon as they are received.
Do not take into account the readings obtained during ARVI, colds and inflammation.

Changed basal temperature is considered the first sign of pregnancy even before the delay itself. But this method is not reliable. An increase in temperature may indicate an emerging gynecological disease, about excessive physical activity, about infectious processes, about taking medications.

Basal temperature may decrease just before a miscarriage and in the case of a frozen pregnancy.

Basal temperature values during pregnancy

If a woman is pregnant and the temperature is 37°C. This is a borderline indicator. Here, a consultation with a gynecologist is necessary if this temperature persists for several days. 37°C can be either a normal value or indicate the beginning of changes in hormonal levels.
If a woman is pregnant and her basal temperature is 37.1-37.3°C. This normal value. It is achieved at the time of ovulation and remains constant during the first few months of gestation. The exact indicator is individual for each woman. If the threshold exceeds the norm by at least 0.8 degrees, no matter in which direction, this is already an alarming case.
If the woman is pregnant and the temperature is below 37°C. This always indicates a lack of progesterone. The value may signal a miscarriage or dangerous fetal death. This temperature is typical only for the first phase of the cycle. But during pregnancy, this is not a good sign.
Temperature 36.6°C. and 36.7°C is considered harmless if in the very first cycle it was slightly lower (only by 0.4 degrees). This is easy to find out if a woman constantly kept a diary.
If the temperature during pregnancy is 37.6°C or higher. Most likely the woman started inflammatory processes in the small pelvis. Such heat It can also indicate an abnormal ectopic position of the fetus.

Fall in basal temperature during pregnancy

At 16 weeks the temperature gradually decreases. In the future (from about 20 weeks) there is no reason to talk about measuring this temperature; it is then useless. If a temperature of 36.9°C in the earliest stages is considered dangerous, then in the fourth month of pregnancy this is a normal indicator.

Measuring specific temperatures during pregnancy will help monitor the condition of the fetus, but does not guarantee a successful pregnancy.

Recording basal temperature values

The results can be recorded in table or graph form. The table should contain the following:

Name of the month.
Day number of the cycle.
Temperature value.
Note.

The following data may be reflected in the “note” column: alcohol intake (whether or not), the nature of the discharge (moderate or heavy), if there are deviations in basal temperature, whether there was diarrhea, whether it occurred in the evening or in the morning intimacy whether sleeping pills were used. That is, all information that could have an impact on the indicators is reflected here. The described form is very easy to understand. The doctor can easily determine deviations from it.

The basal temperature chart is a graphic image that displays the Y line (the value of the basal temperature is indicated), the X line (the days of the month are indicated), the ovulation line and middle line. There is not always an ovulation line. She divides the graph into two parts.

Drawing up a schedule

The graph shows the days of the menstrual cycle. Normally, this value is 28-30 days, but sometimes it is 21-35. For some women, the cycle length exceeds these limits. In this case, changes can take place both larger and smaller. Perhaps such women have ovarian dysfunction.
The graph should present all the information clearly enough. It should visually divide the entire period into two parts: the first phase and the second. The day of ovulation, usually the 14th, is marked by a clear black line. This is the most optimal period for conception. That is favorable period It turns out from 12 to 14 days of the cycle. If just before ovulation the temperature did not drop, but at the very moment it increased, then most likely ovulation has already occurred.
The very first phase may be shorter or longer. The second phase should be a clear 14 days. But a 1-2 day difference is still allowed. If the second phase has become shorter by as much as 10 days, then it is considered insufficient. This is a reason to see a doctor. Normally, these two phases should be approximately the same.
It is necessary to consider the average values of both phases separately. If they differ from each other by 0.4 degrees or less, then most likely the woman has hormonal disorders. Here the situation will be clarified by an analysis of estrogen and progesterone.
If your period arrives on the expected day, and elevated temperature persists for 18 days, then pregnancy has most likely occurred.
If bleeding has begun and is quite scanty in nature, and the basal temperature is still high, then a miscarriage will most likely occur soon.
There is no need to worry if suddenly in the first phase the temperature rises one day, and the next day it becomes the same, normal. Most likely she was affected by some provoking factor.

Symptoms of urgent medical attention

You need to go to a gynecologist in the following cases:

Basal temperature rises very quickly.
In the middle of the menstrual cycle, the temperature rises very slowly.
The first phase lasts a very long time (more than 17 days).
The second phase is too short (less than 12 days).
The menstrual cycle is more than 35 or less than 21 days.
According to basal temperature, pregnancy did not occur, and menstruation did not come on time.
An anovulatory cycle is observed. This low temperature throughout the entire menstrual cycle.
Hyperprolactinemia (increased basal temperature for a month) is observed.

With an anovulatory schedule, the doctor pays attention to:

Constant delays and simultaneous failure to get pregnant.
Indistinct ovulation.
To high and low temperature in a cycle.
The onset of menstruation and a positive test.
For menstruation that lasts more than five days.

A schedule is simply necessary when planning a pregnancy. It is necessary to conduct it yourself if the long-awaited pregnancy has not occurred within a year.

If the doctor sees a serious hormonal changes, he will give the necessary recommendations and force the couple to undergo monthly hormone tests. This method works well for childless couples.

Probably everyone has heard more than once that at the very best time to conceive a child - immediately after ovulation - in female body The amount of the hormone progesterone increases significantly. Because of this, the body temperature rises by about half a degree. It is also worth noting that ovulation occurs almost in the middle of the cycle and thus divides it into two phases. It is very interesting that in the first phase, that is, before ovulation, the body temperature is significantly lower than in the second, that is, after ovulation. As soon as you notice that your temperature has risen in the middle of the cycle, this means that ovulation has occurred and the release of progesterone has occurred according to the norms. This increase in basal temperature can occur over a period of about 14 days. Before the next menstrual cycle begins, the temperature will drop quite sharply to the temperature levels that were in the previous first phase of the cycle. If throughout the entire cycle you do not notice a decrease or increase in temperature, then this may be a sign that you are not ovulating, and accordingly, in this case we can talk about female infertility.

Some women may ask the question of why it is necessary to measure basal temperature and not regular temperature? Throughout the day, body temperature can change under the influence of a variety of factors, and therefore it is impossible to choose the ideal time to measure the temperature. That's why the most the best option What remains is the measurement of basal temperature - this means that the temperature is measured while the body is at rest and after at least six hours of sleep.

Some women do not understand why they need to chart their basal temperature, and there are several reasons for this.

you have been unable to get pregnant for a long time;
there are suspicions of infertility;
if your doctor thinks you have a hormonal imbalance.

You also need to measure your basal temperature if:

you want to get pregnant faster;
if you want to try new way planning your baby's gender;
if you are wondering what processes are happening inside you.

If you did not make a mistake when drawing up the schedule, then thanks to the basal temperature indicators you will understand whether you are ovulating or not. To find out more about the results, you can contact your gynecologist. In order for the assessment to be accurate, basal temperature must be measured over three cycles, and maybe even more.

How does this method work?

Once a woman ovulates, just a few days later, there is no strong production of progesterone. This causes the temperature to rise sharply (0.4-0.6 degrees) and remain in this state for another two days after ovulation ends. Ovulation divides the cycle into two periods as it occurs in most cases in the middle of the cycle. Before ovulation occurs, the temperature is usually lower than in the second phase. If progesterone is released in sufficient quantities, the temperature after ovulation will increase. The normal length of the second period of the cycle is two weeks. But when you notice that the temperature remains the same throughout the entire cycle, this is a direct sign that the egg is not maturing and, as a result, infertility may occur.

Some women do not understand why the usual temperature is not suitable. And the reason is very simple: throughout the day, depending on various factors, this temperature will change. Finding the ideal time to measure it is almost impossible. Therefore, in such cases, it is best to find out your basal temperature when the body is at rest and only after six hours of rest and sleep, no less.

Basal temperature measurement method

In order for the indicators to be as accurate as possible, it is worth observing several simple rules.

It's best to start taking your temperature after you finish your monthly report;
The measurement needs to be carried out in only one way. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, the main thing is to use it only until the end of the cycle;
if you preferred oral method. Then place the thermometer under your tongue, close your mouth tightly and measure your temperature for at least five minutes;
if the method is vaginal, then three minutes will be enough to measure;
you need to measure as soon as you wake up, but have not yet gotten out of bed;
the measurement must take place at the same time;
You should not change the thermometer during one menstrual cycle, so that you do not have difficulty reading the chart;
if you are sick while measuring your temperature, then you should not rely on the results you get as they can be greatly distorted;
negatively affects performance and alcohol intake in large doses.

How do gynecologists feel about the method of measuring basal temperature?

If you can create a basal temperature chart yourself, this will greatly help your gynecologist determine whether there are any abnormalities in your cycle. It should be borne in mind that the doctor cannot make a diagnosis based only on the results of the graph. He should order additional tests, as well as examinations if, based on the schedule, he has any suspicions of problems with women's health.

Gynecologists around the world agree that this method of tracking fertile days is truly effective. It belongs to the main method and is used by a huge number of women. If you draw up a schedule yourself, taking into account the results obtained, this will greatly facilitate the gynecologist’s task in making a diagnosis. But it is worth remembering that the final diagnosis cannot be made solely on the results of the graph and without additional examinations and analyses.